Light engine assemblies

ABSTRACT

A light engine assembly, comprising at least one trim element, a light engine housing, and a light engine comprising at least one solid state light emitter. In some embodiments, an external surface of the light engine housing is in contact with an internal surface of the trim element. In some embodiments, the light engine assembly further comprises at least one thermal interface element positioned between and in contact with the light engine housing and the trim element. In some embodiments, the light engine assembly further comprises light engine housing fins which are in contact with the light engine housing and the trim element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/858,881, filed Nov. 14, 2006, the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION(S)

The present inventive subject matter relates to light engine assembliesfor use in lighting devices, and lighting devices which include suchlight engine assemblies. In some embodiments, the present inventivesubject matter relates to light engine assemblies which include solidstate light emitters, for example, light emitting diodes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(S)

A large proportion (some estimates are as high as twenty-five percent)of the electricity generated in the United States each year goes tolighting. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to provide lightingwhich is more energy-efficient. It is well-known that incandescent lightbulbs are very energy-inefficient light sources—about ninety percent ofthe electricity they consume is released as heat rather than light.Fluorescent light bulbs are more efficient than incandescent light bulbs(by a factor of about 10) but are still less efficient than solid statelight emitters, such as light emitting diodes.

In addition, as compared to the normal lifetimes of solid state lightemitters, e.g., light emitting diodes, incandescent light bulbs haverelatively short lifetimes, i.e., typically about 750-1000 hours. Incomparison, light emitting diodes, for example, have typical lifetimesbetween 50,000 and 70,000 hours. Fluorescent bulbs have longer lifetimes(e.g., 10,000-20,000 hours) than incandescent lights, but provide lessfavorable color reproduction.

Another issue faced by conventional light fixtures is the need toperiodically replace the lighting devices (e.g., light bulbs, etc.).Such issues are particularly pronounced where access is difficult (e.g.,vaulted ceilings, bridges, high buildings, traffic tunnels) and/or wherechange-out costs are extremely high. The typical lifetime ofconventional fixtures is about 20 years, corresponding to alight-producing device usage of at least about 44,000 hours (based onusage of 6 hours per day for 20 years). Light-producing device lifetimeis typically much shorter, thus creating the need for periodicchange-outs.

Also, there is an ongoing need to provide lighting assemblies which canbe installed and/or repaired more easily, with less modification of ordamage to construction elements (e.g., ceilings, walls and floors) inwhich such lighting assemblies are mounted, and in which light emitterscan be more easily changed.

Additionally, efforts have been ongoing to develop ways by which solidstate light emitters can be used in place of incandescent lights,fluorescent lights and other light-generating devices in a wide varietyof applications. In addition, where light emitting diodes (or othersolid state light emitters) are already being used, efforts are ongoingto provide lighting assemblies (which include light emitting diodes orother solid state light emitters) which are improved, e.g., with respectto energy efficiency, color rendering index (CRI Ra), contrast, efficacy(lm/W), low cost, and/or duration of service.

Although the development of solid state light emitters, such as lightemitting diodes, has in many ways revolutionized the lighting industry,some of the characteristics of light emitting diodes have presentedchallenges, some of which have not yet been fully met.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION(S)

In the case of conventional recessed lighting and the like, a majorityof the cans are sold for use in insulated ceilings. For example,residential recessed downlights are frequently installed in directcontact with insulation or in ceilings with little or no airflow. Mostheat dissipates into the air of the room in which the downlight isinstalled.

The design of incandescent downlights has typically focused onmaintaining the temperature of surfaces that come into contact with woodor insulation below maximum values, e.g., as specified by UnderwritersLaboratories. Designers typically do not focus on the thermal managementof the incandescent lamp because it is tolerant of the high temperaturestypically found within incandescent downlights.

Conversely, the dissipation of heat from LEDs and other solid statelight emitters within a recessed downlight is very critical. Forinstance, if LED junction temperatures are not maintained belowmanufacturers' ratings, decreased lamp life and compromised performanceresult.

The light engine assemblies according to the present inventive subjectmatter provide excellent heat dissipation, particularly in the room-sideof the device.

According to a first aspect of the present inventive subject matter,there is provided a light engine assembly, comprising:

at least one trim element, the trim element defining a trim elementinternal space;

a light engine housing positioned within the trim element internalspace, the light engine housing defining a light engine housing internalspace; and

a light engine comprising at least one solid state light emitter, thelight engine being positioned within the light engine housing internalspace,

an external surface of the light engine housing being in contact with aninternal surface of the trim element.

According to a second aspect of the present inventive subject matter,there is provided a light engine assembly, comprising:

at least one trim element, the trim element defining a trim elementinternal space;

a light engine housing positioned within the trim element internalspace, the light engine housing defining a light engine housing internalspace;

a light engine comprising at least one solid state light emitter, thelight engine being positioned within the light engine housing internalspace, and

at least one thermal interface element,

the thermal interface element being positioned between and in contactwith each of an external surface of the light engine housing and aninternal surface of the trim element.

According to a third aspect of the present inventive subject matter,there is provided a light engine assembly, comprising:

at least one trim element, the trim element defining a trim elementinternal space;

a light engine housing positioned within the trim element internalspace, the light engine housing defining a light engine housing internalspace;

a light engine comprising at least one solid state light emitter, thelight engine being positioned within the light engine housing internalspace; and

a plurality of light engine housing fins;

each of the light engine housing fins being:

-   -   in contact with an external surface of the light engine housing,    -   in contact with an internal surface of the trim element,    -   outside of the light engine housing internal space, and    -   inside of the trim element internal space.

In some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matter,the external surface of the light engine housing and the internalsurface of the trim element are each substantially frustoconical. Insome such embodiments, the external surface of the light engine housingand the internal surface of the trim element are each substantiallycircular frustoconical.

In some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matter,the light engine assembly further comprises a lighting device housing,the lighting device housing defining a lighting device housing internalspace, at least a portion of the trim element being positioned withinthe lighting device housing internal space. In some such embodiments,the trim element comprises a flange portion, the flange portionextending farther from an axis of the trim element than an outer surfaceof the lighting device housing.

In some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matter:

the internal surface of the trim element has an annular shape,

the trim element defines at least a first opening and a second opening,

each of the first opening and the second opening communicates with thetrim element internal space, and

the first opening and the second opening are located on opposite sidesof the annular shape.

In some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matter:

the internal surface of the trim element has an annular shape,

the trim element defines at least a first opening and a second opening,

each of the first opening and the second opening communicates with thetrim element internal space, and

the first opening and the second opening are located on opposite sidesof the annular shape. In some such embodiments, the first opening isdefined by a first end region of the annular shape, and in some cases,the trim element further comprises an end element which is in contactwith a second end region of the annular shape, and the second opening isdefined in the end element.

In some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matter:

the internal surface of the trim element has an annular shape, and

the trim element further comprises an end element which is in contactwith a second end region of the annular shape, the end element closing asecond end of the trim element defined by the second end region.

In some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matter:

the light engine assembly further comprises at least a first lightdiffuser,

the light diffuser is positioned within the trim element internal space,

the trim element and the first light diffuser together define a trimelement-diffuser internal space, and

the light engine housing is positioned within the trim element-diffuserinternal space.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the presentinventive subject matter:

the external surface of the light engine housing has an annular shape,

the annular shape of the external surface of the light engine has afirst end region and a second end region,

the first end region and the second end region are on opposite ends ofthe annular shape of the external surface of the light engine,

each of the light engine housing fins extends from the first end regionto the second end region.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the presentinventive subject matter, each light engine housing fin extends in adirection substantially radially away from an axis of the externalsurface of the light engine housing.

In some embodiments according to the third aspect of the presentinventive subject matter:

the external surface of the light engine housing has an annular shape,

the annular shape of the external surface of the light engine has afirst end region and a second end region,

the first end region and the second end region are on opposite ends ofthe annular shape of the external surface of the light engine,

each of the light engine housing fins extends from the first end regionto a location which is beyond the second end region.

The inventive subject matter may be more fully understood with referenceto the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description ofthe inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the first embodiment depictedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the second embodiment depictedin FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the light engine housing with integralfins in the light engine assembly of the second embodiment depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the trim element in the lightengine assembly of the second embodiment depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the thirdembodiment depicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a lightingdevice in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a lightengine assembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment depicted inFIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION(S)

The present inventive subject matter now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichembodiments of the inventive subject matter are shown. However, thisinventive subject matter should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the inventive subject matter to those skilled in theart. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventivesubject matter. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the”are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

When an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred toherein as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can bedirectly on or extend directly onto the other element or interveningelements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referredto herein as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” anotherelement, there are no intervening elements present. Also, when anelement is referred to herein as being “connected” or “coupled” toanother element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the otherelement or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to herein as being “directly connected” or “directlycoupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A statement herein that two components in a device are “electricallyconnected,” means that there are no components electrically between thecomponents, the insertion of which materially affect the function orfunctions provided by the device. For example, two components can bereferred to as being electrically connected, even though they may have asmall resistor between them which does not materially affect thefunction or functions provided by the device (indeed, a wire connectingtwo components can be thought of as a small resistor); likewise, twocomponents can be referred to as being electrically connected, eventhough they may have an additional electrical component between themwhich allows the device to perform an additional function, while notmaterially affecting the function or functions provided by a devicewhich is identical except for not including the additional component;similarly, two components which are directly connected to each other, orwhich are directly connected to opposite ends of a wire or a trace on acircuit board or another medium, are electrically connected.

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/orparameters, these elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/orparameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are onlyused to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or sectionfrom another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer or section without departing from theteachings of the present inventive subject matter.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or“top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother elements as illustrated in the Figures. Such relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the devicein the Figures is turned over, elements described as being on the“lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sidesof the other elements. The exemplary term “lower”, can therefore,encompass both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on theparticular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one ofthe figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. Theexemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both anorientation of above and below.

The expression “in contact with”, as used in the present specification(including in the preceding paragraph), means that the first structurewhich is “in contact with” a second structure can be in direct contactwith the second structure, or can be separated from the second structureby one or more intervening structures (i.e., in indirect contact), wherethe first and second structures, and the one or more interveningstructures each have at least one surface which is in direct contactwith another surface selected from among surfaces of the first andsecond structures and surfaces of the one or more interveningstructures. A statement that a first structure is “in contact with” asecond structure encompasses situations where the first structure andthe second structure are integral with one another. For example, theexpression “the trim element further comprises an end element which isin contact with a second end region of the annular shape” does notexclude a device in which the end element is integral with the secondend region.

The expression “illumination” (or “illuminated”), as used herein whenreferring to a solid state light emitter, means that at least somecurrent is being supplied to the solid state light emitter to cause thesolid state light emitter to emit at least some light. The expression“illuminated” encompasses situations where the solid state light emitteremits light continuously or intermittently at a rate such that a humaneye would perceive it as emitting light continuously, or where aplurality of solid state light emitters of the same color or differentcolors are emitting light intermittently and/or alternatingly (with orwithout overlap in “on” times) in such a way that a human eye wouldperceive them as emitting light continuously (and, in cases wheredifferent colors are emitted, as a mixture of those colors).

The expression “excited”, as used herein when referring to a lumiphor,means that at least some electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light,UV light or infrared light) is contacting the lumiphor, causing thelumiphor to emit at least some light. The expression “excited”encompasses situations where the lumiphor emits light continuously orintermittently at a rate such that a human eye would perceive it asemitting light continuously, or where a plurality of lumiphors of thesame color or different colors are emitting light intermittently and/oralternatingly (with or without overlap in “on” times) in such a way thata human eye would perceive them as emitting light continuously (and, incases where different colors are emitted, as a mixture of those colors).

The expression “lighting device”, as used herein, is not limited, exceptthat it indicates that the device is capable of emitting light. That is,a lighting device can be a device which illuminates an area or volume,e.g., a structure, a swimming pool or spa, a room, a warehouse, anindicator, a road, a parking lot, a vehicle, signage, e.g., road signs,a billboard, a ship, a toy, a mirror, a vessel, an electronic device, aboat, an aircraft, a stadium, a computer, a remote audio device, aremote video device, a cell phone, a tree, a window, an LCD display, acave, a tunnel, a yard, a lamppost, or a device or array of devices thatilluminate an enclosure, or a device that is used for edge orback-lighting (e.g., back light poster, signage, LCD displays), bulbreplacements (e.g., for replacing AC incandescent lights, low voltagelights, fluorescent lights, etc.), lights used for outdoor lighting,lights used for security lighting, lights used for exterior residentiallighting (wall mounts, post/column mounts), ceiling fixtures/wallsconces, under cabinet lighting, lamps (floor and/or table and/or desk),landscape lighting, track lighting, task lighting, specialty lighting,ceiling fan lighting, archival/art display lighting, highvibration/impact lighting—work lights, etc., mirrors/vanity lighting, orany other light emitting device.

As used herein, the term “substantially,” e.g., in the expressions“substantially frustoconical”, “substantially circular frustoconical”,“substantially radially”, “substantially conical”, “substantiallysemi-elliptical”, “substantially cylindrical,” etc., means at leastabout 95% correspondence with the feature recited, e.g.,

-   -   the expression “substantially frustoconical”, as used herein,        means that at least 95% of the points in the surface which is        characterized as being substantially frustoconical are located        on one of or between a pair of imaginary frustoconical        structures which are spaced from each other by a distance of not        more than 5% of their largest dimension;    -   the expression “substantially circular frustoconical” means that        at least 95% of the points in the surface which is characterized        as being substantially circular frustoconical are located on one        of or between a pair of imaginary frustoconical structures which        are spaced from each other by a distance of not more than 5% of        their largest dimension, and that x and y axis can be drawn in        which at least 95% of the points on an intersection between the        shape and a plane which is perpendicular to an axis of the shape        have y coordinates which are within 0.95 to 1.05 times the value        obtained by inserting the x coordinate into the formula x²+y²=1;    -   the expression “substantially radially” means that at least 95%        of the points in the structure which extends “substantially        radially” from an origin point define, together with the origin        point, a line which defines an angle of not more than 5 degrees        relative to a radial line extending through the origin point;    -   the expression “substantially conical”, as used herein, means        that at least 95% of the points in the surface which is        characterized as being substantially conical are located on one        of or between a pair of imaginary conical structures which are        spaced from each other by a distance of not more than 5% of        their largest dimension;    -   the expression “substantially semi-elliptical” means that a        semi-ellipse can be drawn having the formula x²/a²+y²/b²=1,        where y≧0, and imaginary axes can be drawn at a location where        the y coordinate of each point on the structure is within 0.95        to 1.05 times the value obtained by inserting the x coordinate        of such point into such formula; and    -   the expression “substantially cylindrical”, as used herein,        means that at least 95% of the points in the surface which is        characterized as being substantially cylindrical are located on        one of or between a pair of imaginary cylindrical structures        which are spaced from each other by a distance of not more than        5% of their largest dimension.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive subject matterbelongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealizedor overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. It will alsobe appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to astructure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature mayhave portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

As noted above, in a first aspect of the present inventive subjectmatter, there is provided a light engine assembly comprising at leastone trim element, a light engine housing, and a light engine comprisingat least one solid state light emitter.

As also noted above, in a second aspect of the present inventive subjectmatter, there provided a light engine assembly comprising at least onetrim element, a light engine housing, a light engine comprising at leastone solid state light emitter, and at least one thermal interfaceelement.

As also noted above, in a third aspect of the present inventive subjectmatter, there is provided a light engine assembly comprising at leastone trim element, a light engine housing, a light engine comprising atleast one solid state light emitter, and a plurality of light enginehousing fins.

Some embodiments of the light engine assemblies according to the presentinventive subject matter are designed to be installed in typicalrecessed housings (cans) available from major fixture manufacturers.

As noted above, in some of the embodiments of the present inventivesubject matter, there is provided a trim element. The trim element insuch embodiments can be of any desired shape, and can be made of anydesired material, a wide variety of both of which are well-known topersons skilled in the art. Representative examples of materials out ofwhich the trim element can be made include rolled steel, die castaluminum, spun aluminum, liquid crystal polymer, polyphenylene sulfide(PPS), thermoset bulk molded compound or other composite materials,which provide excellent heat transfer properties, which would assist indissipating heat.

The light engine housing can be made of any suitable material, a widevariety of which are well-known and readily available. Representativeexamples of materials out of which the light engine housing can be madeare extruded or die cast aluminum, liquid crystal polymer, polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), thermoset bulk molded compound or other compositematerials, which provide excellent heat transfer properties, which wouldassist in dissipating heat generated by the light engine.

The light engine housing can be any desired shape. Representative shapesfor the light engine housing include cylindrical and frustoconical.

As noted above, the light engine comprises at least one solid statelight emitter. In some embodiments, the light engine further comprisesstructure for supporting each of the at least one solid state lightemitter and electrically conductive structures which carry power from atleast one power source (which interfaces with the light engine) to theat least one solid state light emitter (e.g., a printed circuit board).Representative examples of suitable light engines for use according tothe present inventive subject matter are described in:

-   -   U.S. Patent Application No. 60/846,222, filed on Sep. 21, 2006,        entitled “LIGHTING ASSEMBLIES, METHODS OF INSTALLING SAME, AND        METHODS OF REPLACING LIGHTS” (inventors: Antony Paul van de Ven        and Gerald H. Negley), and U.S. patent application Ser. No.        11/859,048, filed Sep. 21, 2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.        2008/0084701), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated        by reference; and    -   U.S. Patent Application No. 60/853,589, filed on Oct. 23, 2006,        entitled “LIGHTING DEVICES AND METHODS OF INSTALLING LIGHT        ENGINE HOUSINGS AND/OR TRIM ELEMENTS IN LIGHTING DEVICE        HOUSINGS” (inventors: Gary David Trott and Paul Kenneth        Pickard), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by        reference.

The one or more solid state light emitter can be any suitable solidstate light emitter, a wide variety of which are well-known and readilyavailable to persons skilled in the art. Solid state light emittersinclude inorganic and organic light emitters. Examples of types of suchlight emitters include a wide variety of light emitting diodes(inorganic or organic, including polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs)),laser diodes, thin film electroluminescent devices, light emittingpolymers (LEPs), a variety of each of which are well-known in the art(and therefore it is not necessary to describe in detail such devices,and/or the materials out of which such devices are made). The expression“solid state light emitter”, as used herein, can refer to a componentincluding one or more solid state light emitters or a componentincluding one or more solid state light emitters as well as one or morelumiphor. In some embodiments according to the present inventive subjectmatter, a lighting assembly includes one or more solid state lightemitters which include at least one solid state light emitter and atleast one lumiphor which emits light, at least a portion of such lightemitted by the luminescent element being emitted in response toluminescent material in the luminescent element being excited by lightemitted by the at least one solid state light emitter.

As noted above, one type of solid state light emitter which can beemployed are LEDs. Such LEDs can be selected from among any lightemitting diodes (a wide variety of which are readily obtainable and wellknown to those skilled in the art, and therefore it is not necessary todescribe in detail such devices, and/or the materials out of which suchdevices are made).

Representative examples of such LEDs, many of which are known in theart, can include lead frames, lumiphors, encapsulant regions, etc.

Representative examples of suitable LEDs are described in:

(1) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/753,138, filed on Dec. 22, 2005,entitled “Lighting Device” (inventor: Gerald H. Negley) and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/614,180, filed Dec. 21, 2006 (now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2007/0236911), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(2) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/794,379, filed on Apr. 24, 2006,entitled “Shifting Spectral Content in LEDs by Spatially SeparatingLumiphor Films” (inventors: Gerald H. Negley and Antony Paul van de Ven)and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/624,811, filed Jan. 19, 2007(now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0170447), the entireties of whichare hereby incorporated by reference;

(3) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/808,702, filed on May 26, 2006,entitled “Lighting Device” (inventors: Gerald H. Negley and Antony Paulvan de Ven) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/751,982, filed May22, 2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0274080), the entiretiesof which are hereby incorporated by reference;

(4) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/808,925, filed on May 26, 2006,entitled “Solid State Light Emitting Device and Method of Making Same”(inventors: Gerald H. Negley and Neal Hunter) and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/753,103, filed May 24, 2007 (now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2007/0280624), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(5) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/802,697, filed on May 23, 2006,entitled “Lighting Device and Method of Making” (inventor: Gerald H.Negley) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/751,990, filed May 22,2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0274063), the entireties ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference;

(6) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/839,453, filed on Aug. 23, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Antony Paulvan de Ven and Gerald H. Negley) and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/843,243, filed Aug. 22, 2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2008/0084685), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference;

(7) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/857,305, filed on Nov. 7, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Antony Paulvan de Ven and Gerald H. Negley, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference;

(8) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/851,230, filed on Oct. 12, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME” (inventor: GeraldH. Negley, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matterinclude at least a first LED and at least a first lumiphor. In some suchembodiments, the light emitted from the first LED has a peak wavelengthin a range of from 430 nm to 480 nm, and the light emitted from thefirst lumiphor has a dominant wavelength in a range of from about 555 nmto about 585 nm.

Some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matterinclude at least a first LED, at least a first lumiphor and at least asecond LED. In some such embodiments, the light emitted from the firstLED has a peak wavelength in a range of from 430 nm to 480 nm, the lightemitted from the first lumiphor has a dominant wavelength in a range offrom about 555 nm to about 585 nm, and the light emitted from the secondLED has a dominant wavelength in a range of from 600 nm to 630 nm.

Some embodiments according to the present inventive subject matterinclude at least a first solid state light emitter (which, in some suchembodiments includes at least a first LED and at least a first lumiphor)which, if illuminated, emits light which has x, y color coordinateswhich define a point which is within an area on a 1931 CIE ChromaticityDiagram enclosed by first, second, third, fourth and fifth linesegments, the first line segment connecting a first point to a secondpoint, the second line segment connecting the second point to a thirdpoint, the third line segment connecting the third point to a fourthpoint, the fourth line segment connecting the fourth point to a fifthpoint, and the fifth line segment connecting the fifth point to thefirst point, the first point having x, y coordinates of 0.32, 0.40, thesecond point having x, y coordinates of 0.36, 0.48, the third pointhaving x, y coordinates of 0.43, 0.45, the fourth point having x, ycoordinates of 0.42, 0.42, and the fifth point having x, y coordinatesof 0.36, 0.38.

In general, light of any number of colors can be mixed by the lightingassemblies according to the present inventive subject matter.Representative examples of blends of light colors are described in:

(1) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/752,555, filed Dec. 21, 2005,entitled “Lighting Device and Lighting Method” (inventors: Antony PaulVan de Ven and Gerald H. Negley) and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/613,714, filed Dec. 20, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2007/0139920), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference;

(2) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/752,556, filed on Dec. 21, 2005,entitled “SIGN AND METHOD FOR LIGHTING” (inventors: Gerald H. Negley andAntony Paul van de Ven) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/613,733,filed Dec. 20, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0137074), theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference;

(3) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/793,524, filed on Apr. 20, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Gerald H.Negley and Antony Paul van de Ven) and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/736,761, filed Apr. 18, 2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2007/0278934), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference;

(4) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/793,518, filed on Apr. 20, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Gerald H.Negley and Antony Paul van de Ven) and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/736,799, filed Apr. 18, 2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2007/0267983), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference;

(5) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/793,530, filed on Apr. 20, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Gerald H.Negley and Antony Paul van de Ven) and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/737,321, filed Apr. 19, 2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No.2007/0278503), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference;

(6) U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,940, issued on May 8, 2007, entitled “LIGHTINGDEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Antony Paul van de Ven andGerald H. Negley), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference;

(7) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/868,134, filed on Dec. 1, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Antony Paulvan de Ven and Gerald H. Negley), the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference;

(8) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/868,986, filed on Dec. 7, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Antony Paulvan de Ven and Gerald H. Negley), the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference;

(9) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/857,305, filed on Nov. 7, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING METHOD” (inventors: Antony Paulvan de Ven and Gerald H. Negley, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference; and

(10) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/891,148, filed on Feb. 22, 2007,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND METHODS OF LIGHTING, LIGHT FILTERS ANDMETHODS OF FILTERING LIGHT” (inventor: Antony Paul van de Ven, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The lighting assemblies according to the present inventive subjectmatter can comprise any desired number of solid state emitters. Forexample, a lighting assembly according to the present inventive subjectmatter can include one light emitting diode, or can include 50 or morelight emitting diodes, or can include 100 or more light emitting diodes,etc.

As indicated above, some embodiments of the lighting assembliesaccording to the present inventive subject matter can include lumiphors(i.e., luminescence region or luminescent element which comprises atleast one luminescent material). The expression “lumiphor”, as usedherein, refers to any luminescent element, i.e., any element whichincludes a luminescent material.

A wide variety of luminescent materials (also known as lumiphors orluminophoric media, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,600,175, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference) are well-knownand available to persons of skill in the art. For example, a phosphor isa luminescent material that emits a responsive radiation (e.g., visiblelight) when excited by a source of exciting radiation. In manyinstances, the responsive radiation has a wavelength which is differentfrom the wavelength of the exciting radiation. Other examples ofluminescent materials include scintillators, day glow tapes and inkswhich glow in the visible spectrum upon illumination with ultravioletlight.

Luminescent materials can be categorized as being down-converting, i.e.,a material which converts photons to a lower energy level (longerwavelength) or up-converting, i.e., a material which converts photons toa higher energy level (shorter wavelength).

Inclusion of luminescent materials in LED devices has been accomplishedby adding the luminescent materials to a clear encapsulant material(e.g., epoxy-based, silicone-based, glass-based or metal oxide-basedmaterial) as discussed above, for example by a blending or coatingprocess.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,963,166 (Yano '166) discloses that aconventional light emitting diode lamp includes a light emitting diodechip, a bullet-shaped transparent housing to cover the light emittingdiode chip, leads to supply current to the light emitting diode chip,and a cup reflector for reflecting the emission of the light emittingdiode chip in a uniform direction, in which the light emitting diodechip is encapsulated with a first resin portion, which is furtherencapsulated with a second resin portion. According to Yano '166, thefirst resin portion is obtained by filling the cup reflector with aresin material and curing it after the light emitting diode chip hasbeen mounted onto the bottom of the cup reflector and then has had itscathode and anode electrodes electrically connected to the leads by wayof wires. According to Yano '166, a phosphor is dispersed in the firstresin portion so as to be excited with the light A that has been emittedfrom the light emitting diode chip, the excited phosphor producesfluorescence (“light B”) that has a longer wavelength than the light A,a portion of the light A is transmitted through the first resin portionincluding the phosphor, and as a result, light C, as a mixture of thelight A and light B, is used as illumination.

The lighting devices of the present inventive subject matter can besupplied with electricity in any desired manner. Skilled artisans arefamiliar with a wide variety of power supplying apparatuses, and anysuch apparatuses can be employed in connection with the presentinventive subject matter. The lighting devices of the present inventivesubject matter can be electrically connected (or selectively connected)to any desired power source, persons of skill in the art being familiarwith a variety of such power sources.

In addition, any desired circuitry can be employed in order to supplyenergy to the lighting devices according to the present inventivesubject matter. Representative examples of circuitry which may be usedin practicing the present inventive subject matter is described in:

(1) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/752,753, filed on Dec. 21, 2005,entitled “Lighting Device” (inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul vande Ven and Neal Hunter) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/613,692,filed Dec. 20, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0139923), theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference;

(2) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/798,446, filed on May 5, 2006,entitled “Lighting Device” (inventor: Antony Paul van de Ven) and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/743,754, filed May 3, 2007 (now U.S.Patent Publication No. 2007/0263393), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(3) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/809,959, filed on Jun. 1, 2006,entitled “Lighting Device With Cooling” (inventors: Thomas G. Coleman,Gerald H. Negley and Antony Paul van de Ven) and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/626,483, filed Jan. 24, 2007 (now U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2007/0171145), the entireties of which are hereby incorporated byreference;

(4) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/809,595, filed on May 31, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF LIGHTING” (inventor: Gerald H.Negley) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/755,162, filed May 30,2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0279440), the entireties ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference;

(5) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/844,325, filed on Sep. 13, 2006,entitled “BOOST/FLYBACK POWER SUPPLY TOPOLOGY WITH LOW SIDE MOSFETCURRENT CONTROL” (inventor: Peter Jay Myers), and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/854,744, filed Sep. 13, 2007 (now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2008/0088248), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

The thermal interface element can be made of any suitable material, awide variety of which are well-known and readily available.Representative examples of a suitable heat transfer materials includethermal epoxy, thermal grease and gap pads, suitable varieties of eachof which are well-known by and readily available to persons skilled inthe art.

The light engine housing fins can be of any desired shape, and can bemade of any suitable material, a wide variety of which are well-knownand readily available. Representative examples of materials out of whichthe light engine housing can be made are extruded or die cast aluminum,liquid crystal polymer, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), thermoset bulkmolded compound or other composite materials, which provide excellentheat transfer properties, which would assist in dissipating heatgenerated by the light engine. In some embodiments, the light enginehousing fins are integral with the light engine housing.

As noted above, in some embodiments according to the present inventivesubject matter, there is further provided a lighting device housing.

The lighting device housing, when included, can be formed of anymaterial which can be molded and/or shaped, a wide variety of which arewell-known and readily available. Preferably, the lighting devicehousing is formed of a material which is an effective heat sink (i.e.,which has high thermal conductivity and/or high heat capacity) and/orwhich is reflective (or which is coated with a reflective material). Arepresentative example of a material out of which the lighting devicehousing can be made is rolled steel.

The lighting device housing can be any desired shape. A representativeshape for the lighting device housing is hollow cylindrical, e.g., as inconventional “can” light fixtures. Other representative shapes includehollow conical (or substantially conical), hollow frustoconical (orsubstantially frustoconical) and hollow semi-elliptical (orsubstantially semi-elliptical), or any shape which includes one or moreportions which are individually selected from among hollow conical (orsubstantially conical), hollow frustoconical (or substantiallyfrustoconical), hollow cylindrical (or substantially cylindrical) andhollow semi-elliptical (or substantially semi-elliptical).

For example, fixtures, other mounting structures and complete lightingassemblies which may be used in practicing the present inventive subjectmatter are described in:

(1) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/752,753, filed on Dec. 21, 2005,entitled “Lighting Device” (inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul vande Ven and Neal Hunter) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/613,692,filed Dec. 20, 2006 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0139923), theentireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference;

(2) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/798,446, filed on May 5, 2006,entitled “Lighting Device” (inventor: Antony Paul van de Ven) and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/743,754, filed May 3, 2007 (now U.S.Patent Publication No. 2007/0263393), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(3) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/845,429, filed on Sep. 18, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICES, LIGHTING ASSEMBLIES, FIXTURES AND METHODS OFUSING SAME” (inventor: Antony Paul van de Ven), and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/856,421, filed Sep. 17, 2007 (now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2008/0084700), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(4) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/846,222, filed on Sep. 21, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING ASSEMBLIES, METHODS OF INSTALLING SAME, AND METHODSOF REPLACING LIGHTS” (inventors: Antony Paul van de Ven and Gerald H.Negley), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/859,048, filed Sep. 21,2007 (now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0084701), the entireties ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference;

(5) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/809,618, filed on May 31, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF LIGHTING” (inventors: Gerald H.Negley, Antony Paul van de Ven and Thomas G. Coleman) and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/755,153, filed May 30, 2007 (now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2007/0279903), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(6) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/858,881, filed on Nov. 14, 2006,entitled “LIGHT ENGINE ASSEMBLIES” (inventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard andGary David Trott), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated byreference;

(7) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/859,013, filed on Nov. 14, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING ASSEMBLIES AND COMPONENTS FOR LIGHTING ASSEMBLIES”(inventors: Gary David Trott and Paul Kenneth Pickard) and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11,939,059, filed Nov. 13, 2007 (now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2008/0112170), the entireties of which are herebyincorporated by reference;

(8) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/853,589, filed on Oct. 23, 2006,entitled “LIGHTING DEVICES AND METHODS OF INSTALLING LIGHT ENGINEHOUSINGS AND/OR TRIM ELEMENTS IN LIGHTING DEVICE HOUSINGS” (inventors:Gary David Trott and Paul Kenneth Pickard), the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference;

(9) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/861,901, filed on Nov. 30, 2006,entitled “LED DOWNLIGHT WITH ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT” (inventors: GaryDavid Trott, Paul Kenneth Pickard and Ed Adams), the entirety of whichis hereby incorporated by reference; and

(10) U.S. Patent Application No. 60/916,384, filed on May 7, 2007,entitled “LIGHT FIXTURES, LIGHTING DEVICES, AND COMPONENTS FOR THE SAME”(inventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard, Gary David Trott and Ed Adams), theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As noted above, in some embodiments according to the present inventivesubject matter, there is further provided at least a first lightdiffuser.

Any desired light diffuser can be employed, if desired, and personsskilled in the art are familiar with and have easy access to a varietyof such diffusers. In some embodiments of the present inventive subjectmatter, a diffuser is mounted on the lighting device housing below thelight engine housing, whereby light emitted from the light engine passesthrough the diffuser and is diffused prior to exiting the lightingdevice into the region that will be illuminated by the lighting device,e.g., into a room. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting devicesaccording to the present inventive subject matter can include areflective element. Any desired reflective element can be employed, andpersons skilled in the art are familiar with and have easy access to avariety of such reflective elements. A representative example of asuitable material out of which the reflective element can be made is amaterial marketed by Furukawa (a Japanese corporation) under thetrademark MCPET®. In some embodiments of the present inventive subjectmatter, a reflective element is shaped and is positioned so as to coverat least part of the internal surface of the sidewall of the lightingdevice housing. In some embodiments of the present inventive subjectmatter, a diffuser is provided and is mounted on the lighting devicehousing below the light engine housing, and a reflective element isprovided and is mounted so as to cover the internal surface of thesidewall of the lighting device housing below the diffuser.

The present inventive subject matter further relates to an illuminatedenclosure (the volume of which can be illuminated uniformly ornon-uniformly), comprising an enclosed space and at least one lightingdevice according to the present inventive subject matter, wherein thelighting device illuminates at least a portion of the enclosure(uniformly or non-uniformly).

The present inventive subject matter is further directed to anilluminated surface, comprising a surface and at least one lightingdevice as described herein, wherein if the lighting device isilluminated, the lighting device would illuminate at least a portion ofthe surface.

The present inventive subject matter is further directed to anilluminated area, comprising at least one item, e.g., selected fromamong the group consisting of a structure, a swimming pool or spa, aroom, a warehouse, an indicator, a road, a parking lot, a vehicle,signage, e.g., road signs, a billboard, a ship, a toy, a mirror, avessel, an electronic device, a boat, an aircraft, a stadium, acomputer, a remote audio device, a remote video device, a cell phone, atree, a window, an LCD display, a cave, a tunnel, a yard, a lamppost,etc., having mounted therein or thereon at least one lighting device asdescribed herein.

Embodiments in accordance with the present inventive subject matter aredescribed herein with reference to cross-sectional (and/or plan view)illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodimentsof the present inventive subject matter. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments ofthe present inventive subject matter should not be construed as limitedto the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are toinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, a molded region illustrated or described asa rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features. Thus, theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of adevice and are not intended to limit the scope of the present inventivesubject matter.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a light engine assembly 10comprising a trim element 11. Referring to FIG. 9, which is across-sectional view of the first embodiment, the trim element 11, alight engine housing 12 and a light engine 13 are visible. The trimelement 11 defines a trim element internal space 14.

The light engine housing 12 is positioned within the trim elementinternal space 14. The light engine housing 12 defines a light enginehousing internal space 15.

The light engine 13 is positioned within the light engine housinginternal space 15 and comprises a plurality of LEDs 16.

An external surface 17 of the light engine housing 12 is in contact withan internal surface 18 of the trim element 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the external surface 17 of the light engine housing12 and the internal surface 18 of the trim element 11 are eachsubstantially frustoconical. The expression “frustoconical”, as usedherein, means a shape which has an axis, and in which sections of theshape in planes perpendicular to the axis which cut through the shapeand are spaced along the axis have similar shape and increase in size inone direction along the axis. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, thefrustoconical shape has an axis, and sections of the shape definedperpendicular to the axis are circular and increase in size in theupward direction in the orientation depicted in FIG. 2, i.e., the trimelement 11 and the light engine housing 12 both have a circularfrustoconical shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the internal surface of the trim element 11 has anannular shape. The expression “annular shape” as used herein meansring-like, where a section of the ring (defined perpendicular to an axisof the ring) can be any shape. In the device shown in FIG. 1, theinternal surface of the trim element 11 is circular annular, i.e., asection defined perpendicular to the axis of the internal surface of thetrim element 11 would be substantially circular.

Referring to FIG. 9, the trim element 11 defines at least a firstopening 20, a second opening 21 and a third opening 22. The firstopening 20, the second opening 21 and the third opening 22 eachcommunicate with the trim element internal space 14, and the firstopening 20 and the second opening 21 are located on opposite sides ofthe annular shape (as are the first opening 20 and the third opening22). The first opening 20 is defined by a first end region 23 of theannular shape. The trim element 11 further comprises an end element 24which is in contact with a second end region 25 of the annular shape,and the second opening 21 and the third opening 22 are defined in theend element 24 (in alternative embodiments, the end element has noopenings, and it completely closes the second end of the trim elementdefined by the second end region).

The first embodiment further comprises a light diffuser 26 positionedwithin the trim element internal space 14, the trim element 11 and thelight diffuser 26 together defining a trim element-diffuser internalspace in which the light engine housing 12 is positioned.

The first embodiment thus provides a light engine housing with smoothsides. The trim element is designed with an upper section profile thatcreates a very tight force-fit when the light engine housing isinstalled in the trim element, in order to enable effective heattransfer between the two parts. The trim element may be designed with anopen top or an enclosed top that would increase the surface area ofconduction. Mechanical fastening (e.g., screws, not shown) between thelight engine housing and the trim element can be included in order toprovide retention and mating pressure.

The first embodiment also comprises an electrical connection regionwhich is engageable in an electrical receptacle—in this embodiment, theelectrical connection region is in the form of a screw-threaded portionwhich can be screwed into an Edison socket. Alternatively, any desiredelectrical connection region, for engagement with any suitableelectrical receptacle can be employed in accordance with the presentinventive subject matter, and persons of skill in the art are aware of,and have ready access to, a wide variety of such electrical connectionregions and electrical receptacles.

As noted above, FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the firstembodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment depicted inFIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a light engine assembly 30comprising a trim element 31, a light engine housing 32, a light engine35 comprising a plurality of LEDs 33, and a plurality of light enginehousing fins 34. In this embodiment, the light engine housing fins 34are integral with the light engine housing 32 (alternatively, some orall of the fins 34 could be integral with the trim element 31, and/oronly some of the fins 34 could be integral with the light enginehousing). The trim element 31 defines a trim element internal space 40in which the light engine housing 32 is positioned. The light enginehousing 32 defines a light engine housing internal space 41 in which thelight engine 35 is positioned. In this embodiment, each of the lightengine housing fins 34 is in contact with an external surface of thelight engine housing 32 and is in contact with an internal surface ofthe trim element 31 (alternatively, some or all of the fins 34 could benot in contact with the trim element 31, and/or some or all of the finscould be not in contact with the light engine housing 32). Each of thelight engine housing fins 34 is outside of the light engine housinginternal space and inside of the trim element internal space.

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the second embodiment depictedin FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the light engine housing with integralfins in the light engine assembly of the second embodiment depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the trim element in the lightengine assembly of the second embodiment depicted in FIG. 3. The trimelement 31 comprises an end element 36, and the openings 37 and 38 aredefined in the end element 36.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the external surface of the light engine housing32 has an annular shape which has, on opposite ends thereof, a first endregion and a second end region. Each of the light engine housing fins 34extends from the first end region to the second end region of theannular shape of the light engine housing 32. Each light engine housingfin 34 extends in a direction substantially radially away from an axisof the external surface of the light engine housing 32.

The second embodiment thus comprises a light engine housing which hasfins along its sides to increase the surface area for heat dissipation.In this embodiment, the trim element 31 is mechanically attached to thetop (in the orientation shown in FIGS. 3-5) of the light engine housing32 with at least one thermal interface element to increase heatconduction. The trim element 31 is configured so as to allow airflowfrom the room and along the fins. The openings in the trim element(e.g., openings 37 and 38 in FIG. 6) are positioned around the peripheryof the trim, and preferably are aligned with the gaps between the finsto allow for convective heat transfer to the room-side air, even wherethe assembly is mounted within an “airtight” recessed light can. Insituations where the assembly is mounted in a non-airtight can withairflow in the plenum, e.g., in commercial applications, even greaterheat dissipation can be provided.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment depicted inFIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a light engine assembly 70comprising a trim element 71, a light engine housing 72, a light engine75 comprising a plurality of LEDs 73, and a plurality of light enginehousing fins 74. In this embodiment, the light engine housing fins 74are integral with the light engine housing 72 (alternatively, some orall of the fins 74 could be integral with the trim element 71, and/oronly some of the fins 74 could be integral with the light enginehousing). The trim element 71 defines a trim element internal space 76in which the light engine housing 72 is positioned. The light enginehousing 72 defines a light engine housing internal space in which thelight engine 75 is positioned. In this embodiment, each of the lightengine housing fins 74 is in contact with an external surface of thelight engine housing 72 and is in contact with an internal surface ofthe trim element 71 (alternatively, some or all of the fins 74 could benot in contact with the trim element 71, and/or some or all of the finscould be not in contact with the light engine housing 72). Each of thelight engine housing fins 74 is outside of the light engine housinginternal space and inside of the trim element internal space.

The external surface of the light engine housing 72 has an annular shapewhich has, on opposite ends thereof, a first end region and a second endregion. Each of the light engine housing fins 74 extends from the firstend region to a location which is beyond the second end region of theannular shape of the light engine housing 72. Each light engine housingfin 74 extends in a direction substantially radially away from an axisof the external surface of the light engine housing 72.

The third embodiment further comprises a light diffuser 79 positionedwithin the trim element internal space 76, the trim element 71 and thelight diffuser 79 together defining a trim element-diffuser internalspace in which the light engine housing 72 is positioned.

The third embodiment thus comprises a light engine housing which hasfins along its sides which extend below the bottom of the diffuser toincrease the surface area and interaction with the room-air. The finsare functional and can also provide an ornamental effect by creating aunique downlight aesthetic. Various extension lengths and shapes can beprovided with curved and/or straight profiles to provide a wide varietyof ornamental effects. Ribs, bumps or “stair steps” (among otherpossibilities) can be added to the interior surface of the extended heatfins to catch light and provide additional visual detail. Alternativelyor additionally, some or all of the fins can be covered by a decorativetrim structure that would create a typical downlight trim appearance tothe room but which would allow airflow behind.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a lighting devicein accordance with the present inventive subject matter. The fourthembodiment is similar to the first embodiment (see FIG. 9), except thatin the fourth embodiment, a thermal interface element 101 is positionedbetween the light engine housing 12 and the trim element 11.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a light engineassembly in accordance with the present inventive subject matter. Thefifth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, but the fifthembodiment further comprises a lighting device housing 111. Referring toFIG. 11, the lighting device housing 111 defines a lighting devicehousing internal space 112. A portion of the trim element 11 ispositioned within the lighting device housing internal space 112.

As also shown in FIG. 11, the trim element 11 comprises a flange portion113. The flange portion 113 extends farther from an axis of the trimelement 11 than an outer surface 114 of the lighting device housing 111.

Any two or more structural parts of the light engine assembliesdescribed herein can be integrated. Any structural part of the lightengine assemblies described herein can be provided in two or more parts(which are held together, if necessary).

Furthermore, while certain embodiments of the present inventive subjectmatter have been illustrated with reference to specific combinations ofelements, various other combinations may also be provided withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present inventive subject matter.Thus, the present inventive subject matter should not be construed asbeing limited to the particular exemplary embodiments described hereinand illustrated in the Figures, but may also encompass combinations ofelements of the various illustrated embodiments.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art, given the benefit of the present disclosure, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the inventive subject matter.Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments havebeen set forth only for the purposes of example, and that it should notbe taken as limiting the inventive subject matter as defined by thefollowing claims. The following claims are, therefore, to be read toinclude not only the combination of elements which are literally setforth but all equivalent elements for performing substantially the samefunction in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the sameresult. The claims are thus to be understood to include what isspecifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptuallyequivalent, and also what incorporates the essential idea of theinventive subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A light engine assembly, comprising: atleast one exterior element; at least one interior element; at leastfirst and second heat dissipation fins; and a light engine, the exteriorelement having at least an exterior element first surface and anexterior element second surface, the interior element having at least aninterior element first surface and an interior element second surface,at least a first portion of the exterior element second surface spacedradially from at least a first portion of the interior element firstsurface, the first heat dissipation fin in contact with the firstportion of the exterior element second surface and with the firstportion of the interior element first surface, the second heatdissipation fin in contact with the first portion of the exteriorelement second surface and with the first portion of the interiorelement first surface, at least a first portion of the exterior elementfirst surface substantially frustoconical, the light engine within afirst space defined by the exterior element second surface, the lightengine comprising at least a first solid state light emitter, a secondspace defined by the exterior element, the interior element, the firstheat dissipation fin and the second heat dissipation fin, air able toenter the second space through a first opening at a first end of thesecond space and exit the second space through a second opening at asecond end of the second space.
 2. A light engine assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein: the light engine assembly comprises a plurality ofheat dissipation fins comprising at least the first and second heatdissipation fins, and in a section along a first plane: a cross-sectionof the exterior element is a first substantially circular shape, across-section of the interior element is a second substantially circularshape, a cross-section of each of the heat dissipation fins extends fromthe interior element to the exterior element, the heat dissipation finsare spaced circumferentially relative to the first and secondsubstantially circular shapes.
 3. A light engine assembly as recited inclaim 2, wherein: the light engine assembly comprises at least eightheat dissipation fins, and each heat dissipation fin is spacedcircumferentially from at least one other heat dissipation fin by notmore than 45 degrees.
 4. A light engine assembly as recited in claim 1,wherein the light engine is within a third space defined by the interiorelement second surface.